SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – July was the fourth-driest month in San Juan, Puerto Rico, since 1898.
The situation has grown so dire that the water authority said it plans to spend $200,000 over the next few months in "cloud seeding," in hopes of creating rain clouds over Puerto Rico's three main reservoirs.
In Trujillo Alto, a suburb of San Juan, you'll find one of Puerto Rico's largest reservoirs, which has dried up.
The Carraizo Dam used to provide water for much of the eastern side of the island. But today, what little water you find is surrounded by greenery. In fact, the dam is so dry that the water authority is taking advantage of the situation to dredge it in anticipation of the next drought.
Back in town, you'll l find people on any given day making lines to fill up gallons of water at portable water stations. Everyone stocks up to make due on the days the water is cut.
"It's not easy," resident Ruben Vallejo said. "It's been tough, the situation we find ourselves in."
According to the water authority, water is shut off for two days and back on for 24 hours for more than 160,000 residents and businesses. But most people Local 10 News spoke to said that lately it's been two days with water and five days without it.
Water levels at the reservoir have dropped 18 feet in recent months.
It's been 20 years since water rations were put in place, and so you can imagine that when water is released, the rush begins.
The Carraizo has become a sightseeing stop in recent weeks after a house that dates back to the 1940s was found in the reservoir. The home hadn't been seen in decades and was thought to be a folk tale.
Jose Camacho has spent the last month filling up water jugs during his lunch break. He lives in a high-rise apartment and said even on the days the water is on, the pressure is so low, you can't even shower.
"Are you angry?" Local 10 News reporter Carlos Suarez asked.
"Very angry," Camacho said. "You pay a lot of taxes and what do you have? Nothing. I wish I could leave this country."
The government said just about every city is experiencing a drought, and that on any given day, a third of the island goes dry. That is unless you're on the tourist side of the island.
Hotels, restaurants and businesses in Old San Juan, El Condado and surrounding neighborhoods have water every day. The cities are serviced by a separate system than the rest of the island.
"You really don't see it or notice it unless someone tells you there's a drought," Joshua Tabia, who is visiting the island, said. "It's been a pleasurable experience as far as tourism goes."
The water shortage is costing an already cash-strapped water authority. The public utility is having trouble paying billions of dollars in debt and it's hemorrhaging millions in monthly payments.
Earlier this month, the water authority said it hoped to sell $750 million in revenue bonds to upgrade its aging system. But, having failed to make payments on other bonds, it could be a tough sell for investors.
Follow Carlos Suarez on Twitter @CarlosWPLG
Follow Local 10 News on Twitter@WPLGLocal10